19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Heb 10:19-22

During Jesus’s time, in the temple, there was a thick curtain that concealed the place where God’s glorious presence dwelt. It had to be kept concealed because you could not just approach otherwise you would die. The moment when Jesus died on the cross, that curtain was torn in two from top to bottom symbolising an act of God (and not man) to make access available for anyone who receives this grace from God.

Reading the New Testament shows us that the place where we belong is being close to God and not far from him. In the Old Testament people were afraid to approach God. Now we have confidence to approach. We draw near to Him with a sincere heart and full assurance that comes from faith. It’s normally fear, doubt, guilt, shame, pride and such things that keep us from God. But he is at pains to show us that the blood of Jesus has cleansed us and our consciences and the way is opened to us to approach freely.

We are without excuse. Jesus has dealt with every obstacle and we have clear access to God. If we find ourselves far from God it is because we have drifted. He does not drift; he does not change. He remains constant in faithfulness and grace. He is always loving and accepting of us and his desire for you and me is for us to be close to him because that’s where our lives find meaning, purpose and vitality. As the promise of God states in James 4:8, ‘draw near to God and he will draw near to you’!

Today, take time to be still before God and to pray. Tell him that today you are drawing near. Thank him for what he has done through Jesus to give you forgiveness of sins and assurance of faith. Thank him for the fulfilment of His promise and that he draws near to you. Ask him to help you enjoy his presence today.

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